[d]arc media hosts multiple events at CDW
(UK) – [d]arc media heads back to London this month, joining forces with Clerkenwell Design Week, one of the UK’s leading design shows, for numerous activities - all with a focus on the importance of quality lighting design.
[d]arc thoughts
Taking place as part of the wider lighting exhibition located at the historical Victorian Clerkenwell Prison, visitors are invited to join [d]arc media for three days of lighting focused panels and presentations. Leading designers will take to the stage to share their knowledge and experience on integrating the perfect lighting into projects.
Sponsored by Ideolux, who will also be providing beautiful lighting for the space, the programme will cover everything from lighting as a long-term investment, and the power of collaboration, to the art of darkness, the future of residential lighting, and designing consciously with light.
There will also be a number of project focussed sessions from leading designers Into Lighting, DLSM Studio and JOI-Design, who will take to the stage to dive deeper into design processes and the integration of beautiful lighting.
Join us on Thursday for a special How To Be Brilliant session from the Institute of Lighting Professionals. Join lighting legends, Sally Storey of Lighting Design International, Nick Hoggett of dpa lighting consultants, and Keith Bradshaw of Speirs Major Light Architecture as they lay out what it takes to ‘Be Brilliant at Designing with Light’.
View the full programme and register for free, here.
Interior Design Declares x [d]arc media Birthday Bash
We are proud to be joining forces with Interior Design Declares (IDD) for the first time at this year’s CDW.
Join us at the House of Detention on Wednesday 20th May from 5-8pm, where IDD founding signatories will explain what the collective stands for, celebrate the progress made over the past year and share their ambitions for the year ahead.
A celebration of community – this event is for everyone working in design who wants to learn more about working in a more sustainable way.
Supported by Casambi, the talk will be followed by an informal drinks reception and opportunity to network with likeminded design enthusiasts!
For full details and to register your attendance, click here.
Guided Lighting Tour
[d]arc media will, for the first time, team up with CDW to offer a guided lighting tour – bringing together a curated selection of leading lighting brands and standout showrooms across Clerkenwell.
Celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and innovation, the tour offers visitors the chance to discover the latest collections, emerging trends and thoughtfully designed spaces shaping the future of lighting design.
The tour takes place on Tuesday 19th May and starts with a light breakfast at the Fritz Fryer showroom at 10am. This is followed by various stops at Buster & Punch, Chelsom, Industville, Bert Frank, J. Adams & Co and Notable, before a tour of House of Detention, home to the dedicated lighting exhibition and concluding with the opening [d]arc thoughts talk ‘Designing for Longevity’.
This tour is for independent designers only and you can register your interest here.
For the full CDW programme head to: www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com
Ureka Light Studio opens showroom in heart of Manchester
(UK) – Independent lighting and controls specialist takes on stunning new location in central spot of Manchester.
Founded in 2015 by Stephen Cunliffe, who has 30 years’ experience in lighting design, procurement, and supply, the team behind Ureka Light has a passion for delivering lighting schemes that inspire. From design to delivery, The Ureka team are fully focused on their clients’ needs, providing a holistic approach to elevate and illuminate projects to the next level.
Representing leading lighting brands such as Arkoslight, Exenia, Lightnet, Lamp, Secto Design, and Zafferano to name just a few, the showroom is in the historic Watts Building, on Lever Street in the bustling Northern Quarter area of Manchester. The third-floor space comes complete with outside space overlooking Stevenson Square and aims to be an inviting social hub for the burgeoning design community in the north-west.
Speaking with Helen Ankers, arc’s managing editor, Stephen says of his move from Oldham to the city centre: “It was the right time for us. We wanted to bring something to the city that we believed was missing – a central space for designers to learn more about good, quality lighting, a space where they can come together, network, and find the right products for their projects.
“The showroom has been designed to highlight the breadth of products we can offer and showcase different lighting techniques, all while acting as a hub for designers to work from, as and when they might need to. Work doesn’t have to be boring and I’m hoping our new showroom reflects this and will become a destination point for good quality lighting inspiration.”
The Ureka Light studio opened its doors in January 2026 and is neighbours with interior design studio Sheila Bird.
Learn more at: www.ur-eka.com
Light + Building Review: Analogue Interaction over Artificial Intelligence
After taking some time to collect his thoughts, lighting consultant Peter Earle shares his findings from this year's Light + Building event.
I’ve been visiting Light + Building since 2006. It turns out then that this visit in 2026 is my 20-year anniversary. Having said in the aftermath of the 2024 edition that I wouldn’t return, I find myself flying Lufthansa and turning up at the Torhaus entrance. Bets were on for the highly anticipated strike action, I was taking my chances.
My opinion of trade shows these days isn’t about products, new technologies or innovation in tech. There are plenty of experts better qualified than me who come back with their lists to share. I’m more interested in innovation in the way our industry is working, the trends, the other opinions, a snapshot of where we are, and the long-term trajectory of the future of lighting.
As I walked through the Torhaus entrance, that same smell of new trade show carpets that will be landfill within a week emanated through the air. My heart sank. ‘Let’s be positive’, I thought to myself; ‘it’s Sunday, everyone is fresh it’ll be quiet-ish, I can make a good start in the Halls.’
I walked 55km in two and a half days. I saw as much as I could and met as many as I could. I made it around about a third of the show I reckon.
A big question was in my head the whole time: Is this kind of show still relevant? Is it worth it?
Some tech trends I noticed: miniaturisation continues, lots of hot air about human-centric lighting and not much substance (one notable exception), claims of ‘full spectrum’ LEDs although in reality they are just ‘a tiny bit wider spectrum LEDs’. I took my trusty spectrometer with me and measured lots of light. Sadly, the light quality from most would make a human uncomfortable sitting under them for any period, spiky SPDs, high flicker, the usual, but again quite some notable exceptions.
Data-driven outcomes and software seemed on-trend, even one of the component manufacturers from Asia told me that the future is in software, not in physical products.
In my conversations with stakeholders across the industry, designers to manufacturers to installers and end users, there is definitely a feeling of ‘what next?’.
I believe lighting needs to transition from products, features, cut sheets, tech specs and efficacies, to a holistic design stack that prioritises the designed outcomes first. Then follows the bits and bobs, software, controls, the lovely RAL or Corten finish, how to deliver that outcome, in real life. Therein lies the value, I think.
And you know what, I hear AI people who work on sentient buildings, yep that is an actual phrase now, using similar language of outcome.
Two clear benefits of a show like this emerged.
Firstly, although in size the show is a shadow of its former self as I remember it, with empty halls and spaces where once mighty and magnificent brands held court, you can see lots of stuff from around the world in one place in a few days. If you’re willing and able to walk. With poor wayfinding and access. If I was on wheels or with less mobility than my Skechers can give me, I’d struggle.
Secondly and for me critically, we have a great community, the opportunity to connect, meet, discuss, debate and party, in person, with others, this is one of the highlights.
I am working on a new, modern form of AI, although I’ve always practised it, Analogue Interaction. For me it’s about the people first and collaboration, Think-Win-Win.
Some complaints.
The cost to visit and stay is extortionate, many complained about this. And €25 for a burger from the food concessions onsite. Hm.
Lufthansa did indeed strike for two days; luckily, I escaped beforehand. This added even more cost for others who were affected.
In 2024, the city felt very dangerous with the worst of humanity evidenced on the streets. This time I avoided the city, stayed in the suburbs and made it to O’Reillys only once, the attendance there a shadow of its former self.
The future.
Overall the industry seems to be in retrenchment. Major brands are cutting resources.
On the flip side, this leaves some room for small to mid-players to grow and mid-players to advance. There were some significant stands there from companies ‘launching’ in Europe. There were some global brands absent.
Everywhere, there is a search for the new value, what is there beyond product design and light source component technology? The race to the bottom has been won, meaning we all lost and the relentless pursuit of energy efficiency, circularity and sustainability at any cost seems to have thankfully been mostly exhausted.
There is talk of extracting actionable data from lighting systems, about delivering outcomes for human sustainability, about valuing and tuning spectral content, about using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to deliver this value.
Usually there are several drivers that signpost the critical path of an industry’s direction:
Technological innovation
Standardisation and Regulation
Investment
Fragmentation and Consolidation
Which path are we on as an industry and where are the points of inflection?
Over to you.
See you in 2028…?
Over and out.
No AI tools were used in the writing of this opinion
Analogue Interaction is encouraged
HLB Lighting Design establishes Seattle studio
(USA) – HLB Lighting Design has announced the opening of a new design studio in the USA’s Pacific Northwest, in Seattle, Washington. The new location marks a significant milestone in the firm’s long-standing relationship with the design community in the region, and reinforces HLB’s commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences through local presence, supported by an international design team.
Teal Brogden, HLB President and Senior Principal, says: “Seattle is a dynamic and design-forward city with a deep appreciation for innovation, sustainability, and human-centred environments. Establishing a physical studio here allows us to better serve our clients, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the region. We are energised by the opportunities ahead, and by the ability to pair local leadership with the full strength of our collective team.”
Kevin Frary, Director at HLB, adds: “Opening a Seattle studio is a natural next step in how we support our clients and collaborators here. Being local allows us to be more present, more responsive, and more deeply engaged in the design conversations that shape this region. I’m excited to continue building on the momentum we’ve established, and to work alongside our clients to deliver thoughtful, impactful lighting experiences.”
HLB has contributed to a number of significant projects across the Seattle region, including the Seattle Convention Center Summit Building, and the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion. The firm’s regional portfolio also includes cultural and institutional landmarks such as Benaroya Hall, and multiple projects at the University of Washington, reflecting a long-standing commitment to design excellence in the Pacific Northwest.
Aalborg University and POET Creator Software announce strategic collaboration
(Denmark) – Aalborg University (AAU), through its Master of Science in Lighting Design programme, and POET Creator Software, developed by Skandal Technologies, have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a pioneering academic collaboration focused on real-time, data-driven environments and intelligent architecture.
At the core of the collaboration is the integration of POET Creator software into AAU’s MSc Lighting Design programme – one of the leading interdisciplinary lighting design courses in Europe. The partnership introduces students to real-time systems that combine lighting, media, data, and sensing into responsive spatial experiences, grounded in the concept of Ambient Communication – the design of environments that influence perception, behaviour, and decision-making through subtle, peripheral cues embedded in light and media, rather than explicit interfaces or instructions.
The collaboration includes the development of new teaching materials, project frameworks, and research opportunities, alongside access to POET Creator software for coursework, thesis projects, and experimental design investigations.
The partnership was launched with an inaugural Ambient Communication Workshop, held at Aalborg University’s Copenhagen laboratory, led by David Hernandez, Head of Enterprise Operations and Services at POET Creator Software.
The workshop brought students into direct engagement with real-time systems, exploring how environments can sense, interpret, and respond to human presence and data inputs. Through a series of hands-on experiments, participants developed interactive lighting and media scenarios that demonstrate how architecture can move beyond static form to become adaptive and communicative.
Speaking of the collaboration, Tapio Rosenius, CEO of POET Creator Software / Skandal Technologies, says: “There’s a real opportunity to rethink light as part of active, experiential environments that support people, reducing cognitive load, guiding attention, and nudging behaviour in subtle ways. This shift requires a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together design, technology, and behavioural science.
“Aalborg University’s MSc in Lighting Design is an ideal partner in this context, with its strong focus on research-led practice, helping to shape a new generation of designers who can test and prove these ideas in the real world.”
Ellen Kathrine Hansen, Head of MSc Lighting Design at Aalborg University, adds: “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to integrating emerging technologies into lighting design education and research. Our transdisciplinary design approach – combining architecture, lighting, and media technology across disciplines – will be further supported through this collaboration. By working with POET Creator, our students and researchers gain direct exposure to advanced tools and methodologies that are redefining the profession regarding both responsive and validated lighting design.”
www.poet.software
www.en.aau.dk
LEDucation celebrates 20th anniversary with more than 10,000 visitors
(USA) – More than 10,000 visitors attended the 20th anniversary edition of LEDucation, held at New York’s Hilton Midtown on 14-15 April.
Organised by the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY), the show brought together designers, manufacturers, educators, students, and industry professionals, serving as a vital platform for connection, discovery, and the exchange of ideas across the lighting community.
“We are incredibly grateful to our manufacturers and their representatives for the unwavering support and commitment to making LEDucation a success year after year. Your partnership is the backbone of this event, and we thank you for your continued dedication to our programme,” said Jamie Eck, LEDucaiton Co-Chair. “As LEDucation continues to grow, creating a more intentional and focused experience for the design community became a clear priority. The positive feedback from manufacturers has reinforced Designer Hours as a key differentiator of the show.”
To commemorate two decades of growth, the DLFNY hosted a celebratory event on 13 April, honouring past and present contributors who have helped shape LEDucation into what it is today.
LEDucation Co-Chair and Co-Founder, Burt Grant, reflected on the milestone: “What started as a small, collaborative idea has grown into something truly meaningful for the lighting community. It has been incredible to see how LEDucation has evolved over the past 20 years, while still staying true to its core purpose of bringing people together to learn, connect, and move the industry forward.”
New for this year’s event, the first morning of the fair marked the introduction of “Designer Hours”, offering lighting designers, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and engineers exclusive access to the show floor from 9.00-11.30am.
Cynthia Turner, President of DLFNY, emphasised the planning behind the initiative: “After each initiative, DLFNY and the LEDucation committee take a close look at what worked, where we can improve, and – most importantly – what we’re hearing from our community. Designer Hours came directly out of that process, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how well it was received. We are excited to build on that momentum, and continue raising the bar for the LEDucation experience.”
Alongside the show floor, which saw more than 550 exhibitors from around the globe, education remained a central pillar of LEDucation 2026, with a comprehensive programme designed to address the evolving needs of the industry. This year’s conference featured 25 in-person sessions, and 14 virtual presentations, covering topics that included design, technology, sustainability, controls, and emerging trends.
“We were incredibly excited by the strength of this year’s educational programme – from the diversity of topics to the level of dialogue with attendees. After two decades of engaging with LED technology, our audience brings an informed and thoughtful perspective, creating an industry-leading level of discourse. The feedback from the community has been fantastic, reinforcing that education continues to be a core strength of LEDucation. We’re committed to continuing to grow and evolve the programme, while maintaining this high level of quality,” shared the LEDucation Presentations Committee – Craig Fox, Wendy Kaplan, Shaun Fillion, and Stacey Bello.
For 2027, LEDucation will expand to a three-day format, taking place at the New York Hilton Midtown on 13-15 April, 2027.
New brand identity unveiled for HD Expo
(USA) - HD Expo, presented by Hospitality Design magazine, has unveiled a new brand identity, marking the next phase in the event’s evolution. Long recognised as hospitality design’s largest annual gathering, HD Expo is sharpening its focus through a rebrand centred on discovery, learning, and connection – experiences that help define what comes next for the industry.
Developed in partnership with global creative agency forceMajeure, the refreshed look introduces the concept of “a portal into possibility,” brought to life through an arch motif inspired by architectural thresholds and spatial transitions.
The form represents both a literal and symbolic passage, inviting attendees into a setting where curiosity sparks collaboration, and inspiration influences real hospitality projects around the world.
As part of the refresh, the event is now presented as HD Expo, a streamlined name that reflects its full scope including conference programming, product sourcing, and relationship building.
The new identity is anchored by a bold colour palette led by vibrant coral and magenta tones, introducing an energy and brightness that mirrors the pace and creativity driving hospitality forward today.
“HD Expo has always been a gathering place for this community, but what we are building now is more intentional, recharged, and aligned with where hospitality design is headed,” said Alison Medina, Vice President and Brand Director. “Our rebrand isn’t just a new look; it’s a signal. It captures the energy across this profession and creates a setting where ideas don’t just surface – they take shape.”
Attendees will experience the reimagined identity firsthand during HD Expo, May 5-7, 2026 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Registration is now open, with more information available on the event website.
WAC Group appoints new Director of Commercial Lighting Systems
(USA) – WAC Group has announced the appointment of Greg Barrett as its new Director of Commercial Lighting Systems. This announcement is released as the organisation recently launched WAC Architectural, its new commercial specification-grade lighting brand.
"Inspired, exhilarated, and humbled would be an understatement to describe my first few weeks with WAC Group,” says Barrett. “I am excited to realise the vision of what WAC Group is bringing to the world and honoured to become a part of it. We received an outstanding response from lighting professionals worldwide at our launch of WAC Architectural at Light + Building in Frankfurt, Germany. To all my friends in the design, controls, and integration world, I'm thrilled to continue collaborating with you to create solutions for your projects and companies."
Greg Barrett is an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in lighting and control systems, grounded in both design and technology. In his new position, he will play a key role in shaping product strategy, education, and marketing, helping to drive innovation and bridge the gap between complex technologies and design-driven applications.
Prior to his role at WAC Group, he has worked for leading lighting and controls companies, including Savant, USAI Lighting, and Ketra. He holds an MFA in Architectural Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design and a BFA in Theatrical Lighting Design from Wright State University. Forever a student of light, Barrett has shared his knowledge with audiences around the world, speaking at LightFair, IALD Enlighten Americas, CEDIA, Lightapalooza, KBIS, High Point XDesign, TecHome Builder Summits, and more.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a freelance lighting designer and theatrical electrician with clients such as Disney, BET, and The Public Theatre; experience that continues to inform his holistic approach to lighting’s impact on perception, emotion, and human health. Greg also serves on the Board of Directors of the IALD Education Trust, supporting its mission to advance lighting education globally.
Landscape Forms - 360 Solar
360 Solar by Landscape Forms is a breakthrough in sustainable lighting — seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with advanced solar technology. Engineered for off-grid adaptability, it’s ideal for environmentally sensitive areas, maritime settings or urban spaces with infrastructure challenges. With its refined design and easy installation, 360 Solar sets a new standard for what’s possible in off-grid solar lighting.
CDN Light - KARMA
With ultra-low glare, uniform illumination and a compact design, the KARMA series seamlessly integrates into extremely shallow ceilings, providing lighting designers with an all-purpose tool for high-end hotels, art galleries and boutique retail spaces. Field-replaceable optics, IP44/IP65 protection options, and professional-grade surface treatments ensure exceptional performance, adaptability, and refined elegance - all seamlessly integrated within a cohesive system.
IALD Awards winners unveiled during Light + Building
(Germany) – The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) celebrated the 43rd annual IALD International Lighting Design Awards during Light + Building, in a glittering ceremony at Frankfurt’s Depot 1899. The first time that the awards ceremony was held in Europe, the event recognised 14 outstanding architectural lighting design projects for their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity.
While the winning projects spanned across six continents, the top prize on the night, the IALD Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design, was awarded to Licht Kunst Licht for its transformative exterior lighting of Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The project showcases breakthrough heritage conservation techniques that reduce energy consumption and light pollution by substantial margins, while revealing 50% more architectural detail than the previous system.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, IALD Awards Co-Chair Colin Ball said: “The lighting design for Cologne Cathedral represents the pinnacle of what our profession can achieve. This project demonstrates how contemporary lighting technology can enhance both the spiritual presence and civic identity of a historic monument while meeting modern sustainability standards.”
The 2026 IALD Awards programme recognised projects across three categories, with winners representing diverse building types, from sacred spaces and cultural institutions to resorts and memorials. Winning projects came from Germany, Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and Japan – showcasing the international scope of lighting design excellence. The rigorous judging process included a seven-member international panel of renowned lighting designers, architects, and industry professionals, who evaluated each project through an anonymised review process.
The full list of winners includes:
IALD Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design
Cologne Cathedral, Germany
Lighting Design: Licht Kunst Licht
IALD Awards of Excellence
Al Mujadilah: Centre & Mosque for Women, Qatar
Lighting Design: Buro Happold
Grand Hyatt Kunming: Public Areas & Rooms, China
Lighting Design: The Flaming Beacon & Isometrix
IALD Awards of Merit
At Turaif, Saudi Arabia
Lighting Design: Speirs Major Light Architecture
BAPS Hindu Mandir, UAE
Lighting Design: Studio Lumen
Chongqing Science Hall, China
Lighting Design: Beijing Pro Lighting Design
Desert Rock Resort, Saudi Arabia
Lighting Design: Delta Lighting Design
Four Seasons Tamarindo, Mexico
Lighting Design: Artec Studio
Hilton Niushoushan, China
Lighting Design: Brandston Partnership Inc
Li Shutong Park & Baoben Pagoda, China
Lighting Design: SUNLUX Lighting Design
Lugu Lake Lanyue Hotel, China
Lighting Design: Beijing Pro Lighting Design
Memorial Brumadinho, Brazil
Lighting Design: Atiaîa Lighting Design
NX Budokan, Japan
Lighting Design: Sirius Lighting Office
DALI Lighting Awards winners announced at Light + Building
(Germany) – The winners of the 2026 DALI Lighting Awards were announced at the DALI Pavilion during the Light + Building show in Frankfurt, Germany last week.
Organised by the DALI Alliance, the global industry association for DALI lighting control, the awards recognise outstanding projects that demonstrate the application and innovation of DALI-based lighting systems around the world.
The DALI Lighting Awards highlight projects that showcase the benefits of the open DALI standard, including interoperability, energy efficiency, installation flexibility, and advanced digital lighting control.
Interest in the awards programme continued to grow this year, with submissions nearly tripling compared to previous years, reflecting the rapid global adoption of DALI technologies across residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure applications.
Entries were submitted from projects across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa, demonstrating the global reach of the DALI ecosystem.
Highlighting 13 winning projects and three highly commended projects, the awards programme includes two main groups of categories: Application Awards, recognising real-world project implementations; and Innovation Awards, celebrating technical advancement and new applications of DALI lighting control.
Application Awards Winners
- Residential – Zhuhai LTECH Technology – Estoril Court Luxury Residence
- Commercial Interior – Litelab – Hindustan Unilever
- Commercial Exterior – BEGA – Akershus Fortress
- Industrial – B.E.G. – Bosch R&D Manufacturing Facility
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure – Signify – Ezhou Huahu International Airport
Innovation Awards Winners
- Best Use of D4i – Crown House Technologies – Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
- Best Emergency Lighting Integration – Tridonic – American University in Cairo
- Best Human Centric Design – Elekon – Acibadem Kartal Hospital
- Best Integration into Other Systems – Flashnet – Washington D.C. Connected Street Lighting
- Best Use of DALI+ – Lightmoves & zencontrol – 500 Bourke Street
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency –Tridonic – Illuminating AlUla Film Residence
- Smart and Connected Lighting – bluebottle – Gate 8
- Innovation in Lighting – Foster + Partners / Delmatic – Apple Headquarters, Battersea Power Station
Highly Commended
- Delta Greentech – Dishuiyun Hall (Commercial Interior)
- Helvar – Lublin Metropolitan Railway Station (Smart Cities and Infrastructure)
- Inventronics – Baotou Aluminum Co., Ltd. (Sustainability and Energy ENiciency)
A global panel of expert judges from across the lighting industry, including lighting designers, technical specialists, and media representatives, selected the winners and highly commended entries.
“Our congratulations go to all the winners and highly commended projects,” said Paul Drosihn, General Manager of the DALI Alliance. “The quality and diversity of submissions this year were exceptional, reflecting the continued growth of DALI as a foundation for smart, interoperable lighting systems worldwide.”